We love to travel and explore + create at destination locations, and this year we had the pleasure of creating some inspiration for those coastal brides out there. Along with Amanda Olivia Photography and Wayfarer Film Co, as well as some pretty amazing vendors, we travelled to the stunning Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia. Thanks to Coastal Brides for sharing some of their favorites, we now get to share them with you!

Throwing back to a fun project with some of our favorite local vendors, Caty created a 20’s inspired wedding at the newly renovated Georgian Ballroom here in Athens, Georgia. Inspired by the architecture and lines of the space, Caty brought in textiles and details to really bring her vision to life. We love the darker tones and lush blooms, paired with this romantic gown and classic tux, and the pops of color are exactly what we are tuned into lately especially!

Gardenia Floral Design adorned the altar space perfectly with seasonal greenery, and we just love how it all tied in together! Elijana took Caty’s inspiration of the era and gave our sweet bride the perfect wave bob without being overdone.

Would you incorporate any of these details into your special day? We want to hear all about your winter inspiration!

It’s Friday, Friday, Friday! I’m so excited for the weekend- so much work to do and so many dreams to make a reality. I hope everyone had a lovely, productive week!

I recently traveled to Arizona where I saw first-hand the beauty of the terrain. To be so dry, so rocky, and so parched, the views were breathtaking. The stylized shoot we did there? Even more breathtaking! The Bridal Theory agreed and chose to showcase the work we did...so exciting! You can check it out here!

As I was looking back reminiscing on the soft taupe tones found in the dress and the landscape, my thoughts started going to the groom. His blue suit and brown dress shoes perfectly accent everything about this session.

My creative wheels started turning as I looked at these photographs...what can we do to get our men more involved in planning the wedding?

Sit back, take a sip of coffee (or champs!), and learn how we can all work to get grooms more pumped about being a part of this process!

How To Get Your Husband-to-Be Excited About Wedding Planning!

Though we are living in the 21st century and a lot has changed about the wedding industry and planning, there’s one thing I can say for certain: most brides (and their mothers...love you ladies!) are still at the forefront of wedding planning.

I’ve met grooms in consultations who are very vocal about their wants and desires, others who yield to their partner to make the decisions, and then there are those whom I didn’t meet until the actual day of the wedding!

Here’s the thing we need to remember, and I think we often forget! It’s his day too! And it is my job to make sure the ceremony and reception are pleasing to everyone involved- regardless of gender!

Here’s a few ways I believe us ladies can work to make grooms around the world feel like they are more involved in the planning process. After all, they should be! It’s not just a girl’s thing, guys...it’s a life thing!

Involve him from the beginning.

Once the planning starts, make the groom feel like his opinions are important. Bring him to that first consultation with your wedding planner. Take him to every stop along the way- the wine and food tastings, the meeting with your officiant, and so on! Ask him what he wants, and work to find a way to make this coincide with your vision. Let him know it is NOT taboo for a groom to be a part of all of these special moments!

Register...TOGETHER!

I believe this is super important and almost serves as a nice little exercise on working together. Though your future husband may say he doesn’t care what set of kitchen glasses or towels you receive, chances are deep down he has an opinion (we know they always do!). By registering together, you get to make decisions about items you will share together in the years to come!

Ask Him to Work on Projects!

With many weddings, there are always things that need to be built! Whether its a platform for the ceremony to take place on, a wooden centerpiece for a table, or even painting a “here comes your bride” sign, this could motivate him to contribute to the process!

Grooms like to have their space- even at the reception! Perhaps your guy would enjoy setting up a cigar bar to enjoy with his buddies. Or, a whiskey bar to take the edge off after the ceremony!

Write Your Own Vows!

The practice of writing your own vows is being utilized by couples more and more! It allows for an intimate, personal display of affection. It takes us away from the traditional “I ___ take you ___!” (nothing wrong with traditional, by the way!) to what can be an emotionally charged moment of a ceremony. By writing your own vows, the groom will have to search deep to find the right words to contribute to the ceremony!

Wheww! I know that’s a lot...and might sound challenging. However, I believe having both the bride and groom involved in the planning process can lead to a more cohesive wedding day that pleases both parties!

"One of the most wonderful things about getting married in 2018 is that there are so many wonderful inspirations for new ways to design your day. So be inspired and dream away! If you are looking for new, but love classic elements, this inspiration is the perfect place to begin." - Once Wed

We had the chance to travel to Maine with Britt Vasina last fall, and we were eager to create somethings while on our trip. You won't believe the beauty on Cape Elizabeth when the sun comes up over the water. We met up with Jaimee Morse, an amazingly talented photographer there in Portland, and we collaborated with Watershed Floral to put together the most seasonally perfect florals for this styled shoot with Sussy and Gavin. Check out the full feature here and on 100 Layer Cake!